Sign Sizes Information

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SIGN SIZES

TRAFFIC, ROAD and HIGHWAY SIGNS are available in many different sizes.

Final determination and enforcement of sign sizes resides at the STATE or LOCAL LEVEL.

Although MOST states and local jurisdictions adopt the FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) MUTCD (Manual of Traffic Control Devices) SIGN SIZE TABLES (links appear below) some do not. Therefore…

For signs installed on Public Property, CONTACT YOUR STATE DOT, LOCAL HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT or CITY / COUNTY GOVERNMENT FOR THE REQUIRED SIZE(S).

SIGNS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY We also manufacture Traffic signs and Custom signs of all sizes for use on Private Property.

Although most City and County Governments often allow property owners to erect any size sign on Residential Property, Local Ordinances often restrict the size and type of Traffic and Custom signs on Private Commercial and Industrial Property.

It may, therefore, still be wise to consult your local jurisdiction before ordering signs for private property.

ALL SIGNS The expression, “Bigger is Better”, applies to most signs, unless available space is limited. Larger signs are simply easier to read and understood at greater distances than smaller signs.

Liability is another consideration when selecting sign sizes; even on Private Property.

To avoid accidents and/or law suits, larger signs are always advisable, especially for

“Stop” and other Regulatory Signs such as Speed Limit, “Do Not Enter” etc.,
most Warning Signs, and
Parking Signs where towing and/or fines are a possibility.

Similarly, a premium grade of reflective sheeting (High Intensity or Diamond Grade) should be used for these types of signs instead of Engineer Grade / Commercial Grade sheeting.

Countless lawsuits have been won because the guilty party claimed that the sign was unreadable because it was too small, not reflective enough, or old and badly weathered.

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MUTCD SIGN SIZE TABLES Links to the FHWA Website appear below.

The MUTCD Sign Size Tables state the sizes of signs for different types of roads (“Conventional”, “Freeway” etc.). They also list a “Minimum Size” for some residential streets and other locations, but ONLY if local engineering determines it appropriate.

Remember that some States and Local Agencies’ REQUIREMENTS sometimes deviate from these Federal GUIDELINES. Contact your local highway jurisdiction.

Regulatory Signs (Stop, Yield, Do Not Enter, Parking, Speed Limit Signs, etc. Usually black, red or green legend on a white background) Table 2B-1

http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1r2/ch2b.pdf

Warning Signs (Yellow with Black legend, diamond shape signs, plus other warning signs, colors and shapes) Table 2C-2

http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1r2/ch2c.pdf

Highway Construction Zone Signs (Orange with Black legend, usually diamond shape, but also rectangles) Table 6F-1

http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1r2/ch6f.pdf

School Zone (School speed limit signs and plaques) Table 7B-1

http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1r2/ch7.pdf

Bicycle Facilities (“Bicycle Lane”, trails, paths etc.) Table 9B-1

http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1r2/ch9.pdf

Guide Signs (Route Markers, Street Name Signs, Overhead directional signs etc.)

Because there are so many variables (mainly, the length of the street name or other text has an enormous effect on the width and height required), the MUTCD does not have a table for these signs. Consult your local Highway Department Jurisdiction.

Other Signs and Additional Information To view the entire current edition (2003 MUTCD with Revisions 1 & 2, December 2007) visit the FHWA website link:

http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1r2/pdf_index.htm

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